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Combining virtual reality and electric brain stimulation may be a promising treatment strategy for PTSD

Combining two treatments could be a promising option for people, especially military veterans, whose lives are negatively affected by post-traumatic stress disorder, a new study shows.

7 Mar 2024

Key brain cells linked to repetitive behaviors in psychiatric diseases

Crym-expressing astrocytes in the striatum have been identified as key regulators of behaviors often seen in neuropsychiatric diseases, opening up new avenues for targeted therapies.

6 Mar 2024

New method revolutionizes in vivo brain imaging in awake mice

The human brain has billions of neurons. Working together, they enable higher-order brain functions such as cognition and complex behaviors.

4 Mar 2024

How live music directly stimulates the affective brain, emotionally engaging listeners in real time

Researchers explore how live and recorded music stimulates the brain.

4 Mar 2024

UCLA Health study uncovers astrocytes' role in neuropsychiatric disorders

UCLA Health researchers have discovered a group of specialized support cells in the brain that can regulate behaviors associated with human neuropsychiatric disorders.

29 Feb 2024

Study links magnetite particle exposure to Alzheimer's disease symptoms

Magnetite, a tiny particle found in air pollution, can induce signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests.

29 Feb 2024

Study demonstrates the deleterious effects of chronic cocaine use on functional brain networks

A collaborative research endeavor by scientists in the Departments of Radiology, Neurology, and Psychology and Neuroscience at the UNC School of Medicine have demonstrated the deleterious effects of chronic cocaine use on the functional networks in the brain.

28 Feb 2024

Novel brain organoid model unveils link between inflammation and astrocyte dysfunction

The brain is typically depicted as a complex web of neurons sending and receiving messages. But neurons only make up half of the human brain.

28 Feb 2024

Oxygenation in the placenta predicts childhood brain growth

A new study shows oxygenation levels in the placenta, formed during the last three months of fetal development, are an important predictor of cortical growth (development of the outermost layer of the brain or cerebral cortex) and is likely a predictor of childhood cognition and behavior.

27 Feb 2024

Brain research offers new insights on aphantasia and autobiographical memory

When people lack visual imagination, this is known as aphantasia. Researchers from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) investigated how the lack of mental imagery affects long-term memory.

27 Feb 2024

Mapping the brain: How cell types and location influence Parkinson’s disease

A single-cell spatial transcriptome analysis on murine brain expression in age and disease using a Parkinson's disease.

27 Feb 2024

Novel technique could transform the treatment landscape for brain disorders

The human brain's adaptability to internal and external changes, known as neural plasticity, forms the foundation for understanding cognitive functions like memory and learning, as well as various neurological disorders.

24 Feb 2024

Using deep brain stimulation to map dysfunctional brain circuits linked to four disorders

Mass General Brigham researchers identified sets of connections that are disrupted and malfunctioning as a consequence of Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, obsessive compulsive disorder and Tourette's syndrome.

24 Feb 2024

Ketamine variant shows promise in treating social impairments

Well-being is important for everyone, especially when we feel lonely or isolated. Depression is a serious challenge for many people and finding an effective solution is key.

22 Feb 2024

Mapping the human dysfunctome with deep brain stimulation

A new study led by investigators from Mass General Brigham demonstrated the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to map a 'human dysfunctome' -; a collection of dysfunctional brain circuits associated with different disorders.

22 Feb 2024

Delta opioid receptor agonist reduces anxiety-like behavior in mice

Anxiety-related disorders can have a profound impact on the mental health and quality of life of affected individuals.

22 Feb 2024

Neural cell culture model sheds light on the intricate mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration

Scientists at the University of Zurich have developed an innovative neural cell culture model, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration.

22 Feb 2024

Translating brain activity data into audiovisual experiences

Complex neuroimaging data can be explored through translation into an audiovisual format – a video with accompanying musical soundtrack – to help interpret what happens in the brain when performing certain behaviors.

21 Feb 2024

Largest genetic study on circulating retinol reveals new insights into its impact on health

Study presents the largest genome-wide association analysis on circulating retinol, identifying genes beyond the primary transport system that influence retinol levels and its broad impacts on health, including potential protective roles against schizophrenia and effects on various clinical phenotypes.

21 Feb 2024

Restoring brain pathways to fight opioid addiction

Medical University of South Carolina scientists report in Neuron that they have uncovered a way to restore an opioid-weakened brain pathway in a preclinical model.

20 Feb 2024